Warren's reading selections, with an introduction illustrating the principles of rhetorical reading

Preface

^PHERE are three essential features to be desired -*■ in a Reading Book. First, the selections should possess true literary merit and a healthy moral tone ; second, they should be adapted to the capacity, and appeal to the sympathies and interests, of the young; and third, they should form a wide range of vocal practice. Long experience as a teacher has impressed upon the compiler the needs of the pupil in these particulars.

The Arts and Sciences, History, Mathematics, etc., have their special allotment in the school-room ; the Reading Book also has its place to fill. In one sense, it covers a wide field as a means of education. In it are grouped a variety of Authors, each treating of different themes; each, by historical narration, patriotic enthusiasm, grand description, pathetic appeal, or stirring oratory, serves to impress the mind for all time with corresponding sentiments. Too much care, therefore, cannot be taken in the choice of selections.

It is not a book for information or entertainment, neither is it a Compendium of English Literature. Its

IV PREFACE.

chief object is to furnish useful and appropriate exercises for reading aloud. To this end, a great variety of prose and poetry, of varied rhetorical style, embodying the different emotions to which the human heart is susceptible, is essential.

Fully aware of the urgent demand for fresh selections, the compiler has introduced many that are new, and, she believes, not found in other Readers. With a genuine friendship, however, for some of the standard pieces, which are familiar to all and dear to many, she cannot willingly cast them aside.

The Introduction is merely suggestive of different styles found in the Reader.

The Selections marked for Expression are rather a summary of principles noted and illustrated in detail in the M Manual," and suggest the plan of studying each piece before reading, with special regard to one or more of the principles necessary to a correct and impressive rendering.

The compiler cannot but wish for the Reading Selections the same cordial reception which has greeted the Manual.

Philadelphia, August ist, 1878.

Contents

PAGE

Introduction xi

SELECTIONS IN PROSE.